Linda Kelley Walton

Linda Kelley Walton, 83 of Lincolnton passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her home in Lincoln County, Georgia.
Born on February 3, 1942, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Syble and Henry D. Bentley, Jr., who owned and operated Henry Bentley Cleaners. Linda grew up understanding the value of hard work and community service. Her early life in the family business laid the foundation for her strong work ethic and her commitment to the town she so loved. A bright and beautiful young lady, Linda graduated as Salutatorian from Lincolnton High School in 1960, where she also earned the title of Miss Lincolnton High School and served as Class President.
Linda's professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. She began her career at Riegel Textiles, quickly establishing herself as a reliable and skilled member of the production team. Her natural leadership abilities shone through, and she became a training supervisor for several plants across Upstate South Carolina and North Carolina. Her journey in textiles continued as she progressed to supervisory and managerial roles, including at the outlet store. She also worked at Augusta Sportswear and Delta Apparel, where she contributed greatly to the industry.
In her later years, Linda worked at Edmunds Seafood in McCormick and Papa's Pizza in Lincolnton, where she continued to serve her community with joy and enthusiasm.
A woman of faith, Linda was a dedicated member of Goshen Baptist Church. She shared her love for the Lord through teaching Sunday School and leading the Hostess Committee. Her commitment to her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, shaping the kind and generous person she was.
Linda's love for sports was undeniable. An ardent supporter of the LC Red Devils Football team, she rarely missed a game and maintained her loyalty by listening to the matches on the radio in her later years. Her dedication was such that she even took her two-week-old son to a game, instilling a family tradition of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Linda also passionately followed the Georgia Bulldogs and North Carolina Basketball, and she found joy in the excitement of the Little League World Series.
An outdoorswoman at heart, Linda enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband and grandchildren. She cherished the time spent in the mountains and took pride in her flowers.
In recent years, she became an active participant at the Senior Center, where she enjoyed daily interactions and embarked on numerous trips with friends.
She is survived by her son, Johnny Walton and wife Reesie; daughter, Belinda Walton White; sister, Gail Wright; grandchildren, Bruce A. Freeland, Jr. and wife Andrea and Ron Walton White; great- grandson, Andrew Albert Freeland; sisters-in-law, Marie Poss, Lena Baston and Diane Walton and best friend and family member Elizabeth Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband Derwood Walton.
The family would like to thank her caregivers Kitty Meadows and Tracey Ferrell.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:30am at Goshen Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday morning from 10am until 11am at Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton
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